Emphasis

Emphasis is on: simulation, design and development of new detector systems; new readout methods that enhance the signal quality for x-ray image generation; designs of novel imaging geometries; algorithms that compensate for the physical properties of the detection system to improve the clinical reliability of the image (reconstruction algorithms); and approaches to radiation dose reduction, especially in CT. Of interest are diagnostic image enhancements via photon counting, dual energy, and new applications of cone-beam tomography.

Relevance

The emphasized topics are meant to lead toward: improved clinical (CT, mammography) cameras or new camera geometries; new signal-processing and image-generation algorithms; corrections for image artifacts for enhanced reliability of clinical images; studies of x-ray physics to estimate absorbed energy of diagnostic scans; and methods of visualizing or measuring therapy doses. Investigating the associated dosimetry estimations help to decrease the risk of diagnostic and therapy techniques.

Additional emphasis

• improvement in x-ray tube technologies
• construction of flat panel detector arrays
• evaluation of new semiconductor detectors and scintillators
• reconstruction algorithms for CT and cone-beam geometry
• advances of photon counting or dual energy in CT
• techniques for improved image spatial resolution and sensitivity
• investigating x-ray luminescence tomography
• design and manufacture of x-ray gratings
• investigating interferometry and (tissue-induced) phase contrast techniques
• combining modalities for clinically relevant hybrid cameras
• software algorithms which estimate patient dosimetry

Additional support

• improvements in digital radiography and digital fluoroscopy
• novel interaction processing such as those using scattered x-rays
• developing ion beams for novel clinical applications
• new diagnostics applied to image-guided therapy and theranostics

Notes

• development of imaging molecular agents is supported by the Molecular Imaging program
• novel evaluation of images is supported by the Image Processing, Visual Perception and Display program
• clinical application of image-guided therapy and theranostics is supported by the Image-Guided Interventions program

Notice of Special Interest in X-ray-based Devices for Trauma Care